If you grew up watching reality television in the 2000s, there’s no way you don’t recognize the names Raghu Ram and Rajiv Lakshman. These twin powerhouses are best known for shaping the high-adrenaline, no-nonsense world of MTV Roadies, creating an entire subculture around it. But beyond the cameras and the controversies, there’s a story of struggle, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of passion.
In this latest podcast episode, we sit down with the iconic duo. In an exclusive conversation with GPlus as the brothers unveil the lesser-known chapters of their journey—from two ordinary Delhi boys with big dreams to shaping the face of Indian youth entertainment.
The Early Days: Breaking the Mold
Raghu and Rajiv weren’t always the fiery personalities we saw on TV. Challenges marked their initial years; they fought against scepticism and faced rejections. They candidly share how they went from working odd jobs to finally creating a format that would change reality TV in India forever.
The Name That Defined Them
Raghu and Rajiv’s names were rooted in destiny. Their grandfather, who built a Hanuman temple in Machilipatnam, wanted to name them Ram and Lakshman. An elderly woman, Venkatashu Bamma, known for her divine visions, once went into a trance and loudly proclaimed, “Prof. Ram and Lakshman are coming!” Months later, when their mother conceived twins, the family saw it as a sign. Their grandfather insisted on keeping the names, allowing only slight modifications—thus, they became Raghu Ram and Rajiv Lakshman, a name duo that would later become legendary.
Men & Mental Health
One of the most striking moments of the conversation was their take on mental health, particularly for men. Rajiv was upfront about how traditional therapy doesn’t necessarily work for him. “Men are not designed to articulate their feelings,” he explained, emphasizing that sometimes, venting can leave men feeling worse instead of better. Instead, he finds solace in physically engaging activities, hiking, camping, and even sharing a drink with friends. For him, mental well-being is about action, not just words.
Raghu chimed in, referencing a study that suggests men need ‘boys’ nights’ at least twice a week for their mental well-being. He pointed out how modern society underestimates the value of camaraderie among men and how vital those small circles of trust are. “It’s not about alcohol—it’s about the bond,” he said.
Legacy? “We don’t get to choose that.”
When asked about their legacy, Raghu dismissed the idea of self-proclaimed legacies. “We don’t get to choose our legacy. That’s for others to decide.” Rajiv, on the other hand, used an interesting analogy of a carrom board: some players aim, and some take a wild shot, but in the end, it’s the effort and persistence that matter. They believe their work has been a series of experiments; some successful, some not, but all of it driven by relentless trying.
Bollywood & The Next Chapter
While Rajiv is busy with startups and content creation, Raghu is actively working in South Indian cinema, starring in Tamil and Telugu films and appearing in web series like Jamuna Paar and G.O.A.T.S. Though they both started in television, they’re now exploring various avenues in entertainment. While not stepping into acting, Rajiv hinted at returning to the content space in a curatorial role.
Comedy, Criticism & Owning Your Work
Raghu also reflected on his stint with AIB Roast and Laten, calling them liberating experiences. He acknowledged that comedy is facing tough times, but he remains optimistic. “Criticism has always been there. It’s like walking through a jungle—you’ll always have insects buzzing around,” he said, stressing that creators should focus on ownership of their work and not just creating for networks or platforms.
Want More? You’ll Have to Tune In.
This conversation with Raghu and Rajiv was more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it was a raw, real, and unfiltered look into the minds of two of India’s most impactful television creators. From mental health to the evolution of content ownership, they shared insights that every listener, whether a creator or a fan, can take something away from. But trust us, we’ve only scratched the surface here. If you want to hear their take on Bollywood, their upcoming projects, and some surprising revelations, listen to the full podcast now!